TUB TRIM'S BILL. Grand Festivity at the Navy Yard in lienor of Alexis. The Beauty and the Chivalry that Gathered There. Diplomacy, War, Statecraft and Steam ship on the Light Fantastic. The Fair Partners of the Blonde Prinee. The Happy Ladies Upon Whom He Smiled7 THE TOILETS OF THE LADIES. t I It la with unqualified pleasure the announcemeut j ?an be made that the great naval ball given laat j night at t be Navy Yard, Brooklyn, lb, Honor s( the i Grand Duke Alexia was in every' respect a superb j success. Over two thousand persons were present, I and the Boene, after the time that the ballrooms were once filled was something not soon to be forgotten. Brilliant uniforms and lovely toilets, In every shade of richness, made living with rich color every apace not already decked with all that delicate re gard to taste which betokens the true artistic in spiration. Prom the outset U can be said that the guests were the very crime y standing upon their doorsteps, peering tnrough the raised wtudows, and otherwise exposing mem selves to tno inclemency of the weather from Uie earliest advent of the guests In carriages until "the trouble" ceacd. At ball-past nine o'clock last night che line of carriages extended from the York street gateway to Pulton street, and from .-sands street through Navy to tne gate. Tuc work of examiuiug tne tickets, conducted by sergeant of^ marines and a mblsliipnitui, was painfully tedious. Each carnage had to be halted aud the ticket scrutin ized closely by these ottlclals before I he vehicle was permitted to move down to the Kecelvlng stores, where the ball was held. There was; no such thing as hurrying these uniformed gentry. They had their instructions. They were to examine mi nutely each ticket; to know nobody; admit nobody unless be was named Individually upon the ticket or pans presented. They obeyed their orders strictly and to the letter, and worked so slow that many or the carnages remained in line fully one hour before their turn to enter arrived. Meanwhile the fair occupants mnsc have suffered considerably, In tlicir ceiicate attire, irom the pcnctrauiig, frosty atmosphere. As the coaches reached their destination, tne rendezvous of Terpslcborean felicity, they were received by the sub committee ol the Committee of recepiton, naval otneers in full uniform, and directed to the cloak end bat rooms. About tne gateway on York street was assembled motley group of men, women aud children, who thronged the sidewalks and indulged In most ludi crons, though at times indecorous, dialogues upon the occasion and the cause tnereor. On the corner I list above Navy street a rnarlno "three sheets in the wind" was making s's towards tno entrance to a gin shop, when a wag addressed him With the Inquiry:? "What are you doing lie rev Why, you ougnt to be at ihc Jiikc s ball In there." MaiiixK?"Yes, ye r rignt. young fellow. There a damned sight ol plaoes where 1 ought to be, yet I ain't." "A laboring boy" of decidedly Celtic acoent aud origin stood watching tbe vehicles as they .-dowry entered and were halted at the gate, lie could not andentand the delay, and turning to a woman who stood at bis side he inquired, "Fhat do they stop Uie carriages for. there now?" w "Ocn, sure and its to get iheir pay for goiug In, and what else would It bev" ??That is not so," cxdalmed a bystander, "you couldn't bay your way into the Navy Yard to-mgiit for sm" Having thns enlightened the astoulshed and in- nocent celts their informant walked off. 1 ??What is keeping tno (fraud Juke?" inquired a 1 bare-neaded daughter of Erin of a stalwart police man who was keeping the roadway clear of pedes trians. -Have patience, my good woman," said lie; "the Duke will be along In good nine. He had to rake a drink aud a cigar on tlio way. Whon he does come along he will bo preceded' by a company or sol diers." "Oh, and is that It? Who is u will be with the soldiers, did ye say t" ??preceded?that is, the soldiers wilt march on ahead of the Duke. This explanation was satisfactory. When the Dune did arrive he w?? warmly received, ami his way was mode clear by the gallant captain Met un pen and hi.? talthful oillccrs. Inside ihv (fairs. As one drives down irom the Navy Yard guie lie will observe a large, solid-looking structure of red brick on Ins right hand, just beyond a building which stauds aloue in the centre of a space uud has something the appearance or a Chinese pagoda or an old llglitbouse converted Into a marine post. There Is nothing exteriorly in the red brick strue tore which would Indicate that It deserved any other name than the one It hears?the United States Equipment Htorcs?and the last place in the world j one would look to find an Aladdin's paiaoe perched up near the skies. The ?tudent of me "Arabian Nights" will recall the Wonderful works of the genii who were slowed away in all manner of odd places until the talis manic word was spoken, the nrn unsealed, or the golden circlet rubbed, Tuen, indeed, some startling changes took place, and oditlcos of Oriental gemmed Md jewelled glory arose in an instant, wltn tlio son, mellow light of ton t housand lamps Ooattng through ?n atmosphere heavily periume laden, and making the faultless forms of the dnrk-oyed horn-is seem more gently rounded still, as they reclined on silken divans, drinking in tne melody ol silvery fountains and the dreamy music oi a tar .off lyre. This, of course, was pure romance, and not at, all suited to our changeable ciimato, and the Equipment Stores, with their tradition of ship chandlery, spars, sails, tar aiul rigging, would seem, at first blush, m be most unpromising pu?e for rnetamorpboatng genius to try his powers. It In not worth while debating bow fine tne line ib be tween the improbable and the impossible: one has only to look over a short history and nee that, in the care or THB BBD BRiriC BU! l PINO, wnat might necm very nuiikciy has been marvel lously accoupHwhod. Entering tiitw budding three weeks ago at the main gate you could make your way Into an office, where, if you wanted to go fur ther, yon would be directed to ascend a narrow wind ing stair, and tbeu finding yourself in a large ware house-looking place with curious tearing ma chinery at one side, large scales and tables with rigging, plaim or frigates ami a draughts man and a boatswain or two ben ling over them, on your right, us you entered, was a largo screen, behind which was the Executive officer, Commander Krainc, seated before a puper-strewn desk, probably in lus shirt sleeves, but up to his eyes in business. The unroniantii; forms and faces of en gineers, ship carpenters and foremen laborers were grouped around with expressions of stolid respect. Papers are signed, orders issued, the unromaunc people depart only to be succeeded by others of tho ?nine human sminp, and the eye wanders hopelessly from these 10 ibe wren dies, marlinsplkes, blocks, saws* Hammers and so lortli hung around the wails and beiweeu the grimv windows with a hopeless aim at artistic effect. Walk our. There is not Uie shadow of a foundation here for vour Aladdin's palace. Descending another narrow stair, with the odor of tar penetrat ing your nostrils, you find yourself In a huge space with sails in long white rolls, canvas in bales and cordage of every thtckno s required Tor use aboard ship, from the ratlines to the nine-incii hawser. Pick your way around, stumbling over heaps of royals or spankers, and find yourself utnong huge coils of wire rope, and by the time you have made the circuit (for you have been walking round a hollow square) you will make the best of your way out of that highly scented red brick building. uuless you have tne sout of a sailor fcud the uasa! organ of a lar manufacturer, Thi? Is not your fairy palace; no one but black Eyed Susan, or the warlike ice of that truant sail, ;sa?r oc the guardian spirit ol the THE TRANSFORMATION. If tor the poetic wand business oi the fairy tales be substituted the more luoderu though prosaic meaus of a committee on prcparatiou, slum; in that Executive Officers' room, we will mark the first steps towards the change. They have hoard the talisinanlc word, Alexis, and, like Davy Crockett, they are going ahead. That sail-loft up stairs, and the rigging loft into which It merges, are the tangible foundation on which their waking dream is to be realized. There are certain imiathomable rows of buntiug tnat they wot ol, ccriuin workmen whose liandicrait they can utilize. As they look arouud them their resources seem as great us their wildest wishes, and with their brother officers lying down In the lower bay, on board the fleet waiting through daylight ami shadow (or the sea-borne Grand-Ducal Muscovite, and their more immediate brethren in Uncle Sam or the nuv&l station, tuey see ampie lunds for the undertaking. Tnat history nuiy not nnss the names of this trusty lew, they arc Uereuulo ap pends 1 COMMITTBK ON I'KKI'ARATION. Commander Ralph Chandler, Chairman; Naval Constructor 11. F. Delano, Navat Constructor W. L. Miutoyne, Commander D. L. Bralue, Chier Engineer George Sewell, Chief Engineer K. 8. De Luce, Lieu tenant Commander John Went man, captain tl. A. Harnett, M. C.; Assistant Paymaster N. U. .Stavey, Lieutenant commander O. w. Wood, Lieutenant George \v. De Ixing, Lieutenant 8. K. Allen. M. C.; Passed Assistant Surgeon W. S. Howeu, Lieutenant M. U. Fle.d, First Assistant Engineer E. A. Magee, Captain aL Ransom, Commander John Walters, Lieutenant W illiam I'. Raudall. Tlin uiigratetui task ol reciting the difficulties to be suriuouutcd, the canvas lobe stowed away or used, the partitions to be run up. and all the other meritorious things which (he committee had to com bat, will lie omitted, and with the aid of the laiuiful plan represented on tins page the work in its mag nittcent completion will be described. Ou entering the Navy Yard at the York street entrance the ve hicles drives down to the wide gate of the Equip ment building. A passage wide enough for car riages runs through into the courtyard or uollow square in (he centre of the building, and another pas sage leads out Into the Navy Yard ou the other side. Thus, when you hare alighted, your carriage drives on uud you find yourself be fore a steam elevator, decked with bunting and lit with gas. You can ascend by the stairway if you please, but the temptation to reach our iairy land by aerial flight Is irresistible. The journey upward is accomplished in about half a minute, and four ladies cau find room iu the per pendicular omuious, without tne outermost edge of their >a'utile de bai touching the hem or her fellow travellers. The elevator is checked and stops, and wheu the Attendant lifts up the festooned flags that bang curtafn-wise over the exit you euter THB RCCSRlQfi a large, llgnutu ipfu; ultiut, lori/ feet square, covered with arioh carpet on the floor and the walla tastefully adorned witii American and Russian dags. The celling, It will lie observed, Is one immcuso union nag, aud the black, double-headed imperial eagle ol Muscovy, on his saffron grouud, will be seen facing you, festooned over uie door of an apart ment, not very spacious, but elegantly lur. idshod, hung with mirrors aud brightly lighted, the w tils being tapestried witn cretonnes. This is the Grand Dtucc's apartment, whore His Imperial Highness and suite may hand their cloaks and cocked hats to the attendants preparatory to being conducted to the ballroom. Turning to the left you pass un ier a uodiic area and Dud yourself in MlTS.'OVlTK HALL, which Is uellcatel.y decorated in the Russian colors, bine and white alone, in alternate stripes. Oa your iefi naud Is the entrance to the ladies' cloak room a large and well-uphoistered apartment, wun shelves wherein opera cloaks may bo stored and checks given for them, and wuere beauty, about to triumph, can lake the last look in the targe mirrors before entering tne doiuatu where Cupid flutters around the steps ol Terpsichore. On the right hand are the dresstug aud cloak rooms for the ruder scx, who have been putting finishing touches to their adorned manliness for an hour previous. It was calculated that this will take less tune than with the fairer moiety, aud so further on is the waiting room, where the officer or citizen will possess Ills soul with patience until he sees the form of the lovely beiug he lives for emerge smiling to a beatiilc degree. He presents his arm, and alter them we step under another Gothic arch of chaste white and blue luto THK MAONIPICHST BALLROOM, of which you are now at the southern end. As the cje runs along to tne inrtlier end the warm flush of color, the glassy floor and gilded chandeliers make the first efloct dazzling and confusing in its gorgeousucss. For two hundred feet In length and sixty in width the vista Is superb. .The walls are hung with flags, festooned aud grouped in every graceful curve, and yon perceive that tne very ceding is one exquisite design of the American and Russian flags. Round each <>t the three chandeliers hung In the ceutre is a circle ol' white stars on the deep blue ground, radiating from which are alter nate stripes or white and red running to the cor nices. Between each of the windows the Russian aud American flags are again seen commingling their broad folds. The flags of the Enropean row ers hang over tne windows, and a close study will make known that the harmonies or liuc have la no case been violated, una that wttu a still more credit able iact me unfriendly nations have been kept at a saie distance from each other. On the panels be iweeu i lie windows arc trophies of glittering sword bayonets, pistols and cutlasses, witn models ot men of-war to preserve the nautical rramem Maiitv. ou the left hand side, as we walk down towards the northern end of the hall, Is the stand for the orchestra, a slightly raised platform, surrounded o.y an Italian balustrade. Along the eastern side the floor Is raised some six incurs to the width of four feet. This Is to allow those uot uaiiciug to rest and not. disturb the dancers, in the cotitre ol this will oe a group ol lounges reserved exclusively for the Grand Duke and party, and where fie will receive wiiocver Is presented to him. over this spot is a carved eagle, whose gilding docs uot tell hall its brdliunt story. It is i he same which surmounted the stern of the ilariiord when Form gut ran past the Torts. Passing on to the northern end and uiruitig to the left we race THK SUIM'KK ROOM, which runs ai right angles to riicsnffe rf iiau lect in length, the same a? the ballroom. It is uot so wioe by twenty feet. This is explained by the (net that the sails and rigging wo stumbled over in our visit three weeks before have not ijeen spirited away by ihe falriO", but aW stowed aw&y behind ihu! wall of varl-coiored bunting, innocent of their unstghtllnes* and ready for use when wanted?tnat Is, alter tne ball. To provide against the chili blasts which hy night luuur, sallloits in these favored latitudes about winter time, a nnmtier of marble topocd sicain-hcaters siaml In positions where they are both useful aud ornamental. Those good prosaic fairies iu bine coats, gilt buttons ami aiiouldef straps have not omitted one other Important feature wiileh, although unseen to the caaual visitor, ts not want ing. Four hose pipes, with their brazen nozzles, ready for aoiiou, are liuug one on each aide of the Hqiiurc, and iu case of fire, or an alarm thereof, a skilled workman elands ready to direct, tne cool quenching stream upon the spot, whore the devour ing men o 2 a RECEPTION ROOM. Ladies' Cloak and Presume Doom. Muscovite Hall. it i ?1 1 Oran.l Duke's Hat and Cloak Gentle men's Dressing Genlleiiien's Wailing Room. Room. Room. Room. marine band A?Entrance Elevator. B?Stain Entrance. <)--Supper Elevator. other means of exit from the top floor to tne lower ones. We can now go down by the stairs ana re mark that the same decoration which has usen 100,000 yards ol' bunting has been carried out even to the portal. There is something ol the superb display of drapery in tho whole arrangement Of the different parts whicn give a. Persian flavor to the scene, and if one can associate that with a Russo-American dressing and superadd the latest Parisian improvements some estimate of the magnificent crwmb'e can lie guessed at. it Is now time that Lieutenant George W. De Long should reap his lull meed of praise, for to his cultivated taste is due the designs of tho dialling and decorating and to nls careml overseeing, assisted by captain Bartlett, their successlul carrying one. The uuflagging energy of Commander limine has proved liuu the Dens ea: marhnia of the multliorui and complicated arrangements, and to Commander Ralph Chandler and other naval gcntleineti a similar degree of credit should be given. It should nor be forgotten among the minutiae of the affair that stalls were pro vided for 360 horses and can iages. The invitation cards, engraved In clear script, wero tilled up with the names of the guesut by Mr. Leary, or the Storekeeper's Department, ill a manner which made it dlltlonlt to determine which was the writing ana which the prlining. The nail. But before the Grand Duke put tu an appearance the process of receiving iho guests was going for ward. As the carnages loft their lair and bravo bur dens inside the building members or the police force or the Yard pointed the way to the olevaior. Once having made the ascent courteous members of the Reception Committee were ready to lead tho ladles to the dressing room, where they might leave their wraps, and thenco into the ball. Vice Admiral Rowan was on hand shortly after eight o'clock. By a quarter to nine the ballroom was respectably tilled, and various groups were wandering round admiring the magnificent setting of the scene. At this time JITLLIBN'8 BAND, of sixty-five pieces, commenced playing the open ing overture, and, as If In obedience to tho Inspiring notes of Rossini, tne hand some naval officers and their lauics began pouring in, with smiles on every face. The overture ceasea, and still the brigades of officers and bevys of beau tiful damsels succeeded each other. At nine o'clock the baud played oneo more the "Coronation March," and it whs evident that brilliance would soon bo a poor word by whicb to acscrllie the ball. It was annouueed, or rattier quietly circulated, that the Duke would not arrive before ten o'clock, and of course the dancing would not begin until Ills Imperial Highness led off. Witn the prospect of an hour's waiting it might be thought that patience oould bo wearied, but nothing of the kind could enter fhto the spirits of those arriving and arrived. There was too much pleasure at mer ited recognition, too much good nature, and, above all, too much delight to tne senses of seeing and hearing to admit of anything like weariness. As a general thing, during the hour and a Half that succeeded, the couples promenaded around the room, or the ladles took seats on tne lounges around the ball room, looking like a gorgeous moving river of changing color, edged in by a parterre of living beauty. The Russian officers were early present, and looked qnite handsome In their neat epaulctted uniforms. The following is a list of Till COMMITTBK. Hi-n OtmmHh ?(Radge?Red, White and Biue).?Vice Admiral S. C. Rot/An, on behalf of reception tleet; Rear Ad miral M. Smith, on behalf of officer* of the naval atatinn. KT' ii? Badgo?White).?Pay Director J. C. F.ldrndge, Chairman; Commander Ralph Chandler, Medical Inspector George Peck, Naval Constructor B. F. Delano, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel J. L. Broome, Commander D. B. Harmony, lieutenant Commander John Wcidman, Chief Engineer li S. De Luce, Lieutenant George W. De Long, Commander H. A. Adam*, Fleet Paymaster Ed. Foster, As sistant Paymaster W. 0. McGowsn, Lieutenant E. T. Brad ford, M. C.; Commander 1). L. limine. Culef Engineer Geo. hewed, Lieutenant Commander A. V. Reed, Mad. r E. tV Bri Igs, Paymaster .1. II. Stevenson, First Assistant Engineer li. A. Magec, Lieutenant C. f. Arnold. Matter F. A. Ilowes. if.-on Cimmil'u ?(Badge?Blue Captain George M Ransom, Chninnani Comnio'Tore Henry Ragle, Medical Di rector A. A. Henderson, Commander John Walters, Fleet Paymaster Ed. Foster, Commander D. L. Bralue, Com mander R. B. Lnwrr. Captain H. A. Ran let t, M C., Lieu tenant CotOTnaniter n w Wood. e.? IMncLir C Km.rp commander Commander Commander Cider Engineer W. W. W. Wood. F'o-r Commd'et?(Badge?Rod .?Paymaster J. H. Steven son, Chairman; Medic il Inspector George Pi-ck, Lieutcnaut Commander A. V. Reed, First Assistant Engineer W W ileaton. Lieutenant J. p. Hmvser. M. 0.; Lieutenant Com mander R. White, Midshipman W. B. Slack, Lieutenant J. E. Craig, Passed Assistant Paymaster A. W. Bacon, Master A. Isrix, Assistant Surgeon A. Masruisr, Midshipman P. Bus on. Lieutenant W. T. Bnrwo'l, Midshipman r. S. Ludlow, R. Benson, Lieutenant K. T. Hrad om 'aptaln's Clork Cejrge R. Benson, Lieutenant K. T. B ord, M. Master IJeorge H. Church, Lieutenant l' nanJ&r George W. Wood, Master H. W. Bridge, Lieutenant leorge ft'. Da Long, MasterT. B. M. Mason, Assistant Pay nailer W. C. MoGnwan, First Assistant Engineer J. Shori lau, Passed Assistant Hurpnon W. S. Howcn. Lieutenant s K. Mien. M. C.; 1'ust Assistant burgeon II. McMurtrle, Mnlshtp aan.los. L. Hienslcker, Assistant Paymaster J. U. Cann. To ilnd out and incut ion In addition the mama if all THE DISTrSdUIRffBU PEOPLE PRKsBNT voultl require Hit) even ol an Argus and almost Hie ^ower of ubiquity. When cnc considers that, the mllrooin, the reception rooms ant flic promenade iftnr nine o'oio k were crowded anil prc lemctl an ever moving and over-vary in a taieldosrope of brilliancy and costumes ?>f ill kinds, the difficulty or obtaining even a air number of names ol eminent guests who were tonored Willi invlutious, presents itself. Again, hero uinst have ?>oeu over two thousand Invludons ssucd, and it was reported last uighi that oulv one liiudrt'il letters wero received in which the writers ejretted mat circumstances, Ac., prevented tiictn rom attending tlio hall. Among those present ive observed capinui Potior, U. S. A.; Mr. Pa rail Stevens and lady, Major General Woodward, Mr. I. 11. liowaid and ladies, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Adams, Mr. and Mrs. K N. Grlswnid, General D. o. Howard, Commissioner Shirk, Judges lngrahain iind Uiadv. with a pai'y of ladles: kir. s. R. biltendcii, Mr. W. B. Duneaa, Mr. t'lar :uco St ward. General A. S. Webb, Thorns II. .Morris ind lady, Mr. and Mrs. Crane, Dr. J, M. ?Mimas aud lady, Mr. aud Mrs. Slllerinau. sefior Antonio do Contra, setter Don Raphael I'onrbo, Mr. Ilenry M. Sciicifclln and ladles; Mr. w in. M. Evans, General N. F. smith, Mr. W. B. Duncan, Dr. N. M. Wool, J. Tnyior Johnson, General H. B. Duryee, General Lloyd Aspinwuii. Iieneral li. s l.ansing and lady, Brigadier Uenernl Dakiu. General W. w. Burns, Rev. Dr. Vlaton, Brevet Brigadier Goncrnl C. V. Fowler, i hapiuins Ferris and Thouiaa, Major General W. H. Morris and lady, I'r. Walls anu latiy. Colonel j II. King and ladies Commodore Scliuvlor, Lioqionaiit IVrratni pud lady. Colonel Km- mens* cTiik, MK aud Mih. Henry Pierre- pout, iiiirou Alvcosteben, Battnzze Effcndi, Bettor Don Nantiago Borer,, Chevalier \V. Laurene?, Captain Meado, General Uuniford. Brigadier Ocuo- i ral J. K. Holt, commodore woo (leu, Captain Wright, General lugallsl Humphrey, Barnes and Mclg*; Geuertil Myiforreli and indict, Commo dores Parroll khd Pennock, General Galium Joseph Garguillo, Mr. A. llalieit, colonel Mason and lady, juuies F. tVcor and ladies, Dr. George Gil illlpu. Mr. nnd Mrs. John D.Jones, r. D. Morgan, Knseoe Conkling and lady. Colonel W. 0, Church and lady, Bettor Don Joaquin Godoy, Don Nicholas aviado, Rear Admiral 'lohlpborough, Admiral Rowan, Commodoro Mlddlclon, Commander Iiralno and Fa; master Unwell. THE Rl'RRlAN GUESTS Inclndcd, besides the observed ot all observers, the Alexis so long looked lor, and his suite, Vice Admiral Possuct and Staff, Commander oi His Im perial Majesty's slup Svetlaua, Captain Oscar kremer and officers, Lieutenant Dtmltvo Sharon and officers of His iniDerlal Majesty's shin ADreok, Minister Catacazv and lady, M. and Madame N. do Hodisco, M. and Madame Schultz and Mr. Darougu. There were hundreds of others present wiuwe names we cannot, now, at a late hour, remeini>cr, but the leauire 01 the ball was THE MAGNIFICENT TOILETS of the ladles, who, on this occasion outshone alt other icsiive celebrations in this and other Ameri can cities, and dazzled even His Imperial tUgliness with the splendor and variety of their dresses. .Not Solomon in all his glory ever dreamed of such a con stellation of beauty aud brilliancy. Usually upon such occasions the navol officers Bhine witn unwoutcd brtiilaucy, hut upon this the fair sex took the lead. Tho City of Charities and the City of Churches fairly represented the beauty for v. Inch they have been so long noted. There were blondes adorned In azure blue of most delicate shade, with soft lace over skirts which made one think of the fleecy clouds on a winter's nlgnt. A lovely combination of colors was dtSDlayed In a toilet of delecnte lemon colored faille, garnished with rich white point and black lace, groscllle er6pe, ami sprays of yellow roses in foliage, lno train skirt was garnished in a most unhiue manner with the above trimmings, the wider lace?white over me black?forming a festooned flounce near the bottom, with a heading composed ol shells of tho cr, pe, surrounded by narrow laces (both black auu Wnltc), a rnll blown rose, with buds and maves, resting lu the centre or each. The tunicjue was ol white point, disposed over black, looped artistically with scarfs of the crepe, ornamented with lace and lowers. A fichu to match the ovorekirt and handsome dia mond in ruby jewelry completed their charming t0 A lovely blende looked like a veritable rosebud in an artistically arranged robe ol white and rose colored tulle. The skirt wan only a comrortablc dancing length, composed ol alternate skirts or rather flounces, or tulle of the two colors, the whole shaded hv a skirt of white tube, garlanded by sprays of rose loaves and buds, which sustained the skirt in graceful lesioons. The corsage dcoollfto was was a;rangeff witn puffing of rose-e,olor, which, as the wearer was petite, only added the dwjlrable roundness to the form. Over this was worn a fichu of white tulle, of an entirely wow de sign, which just veiled the lovelv shoulders, tho long, snail shaped ends, Intermingled with garlands, tied carelessly at tno left side, Instead of In the ordinary manner at the back. The toilet just suited the fair we ;rer, who looked as if she had stepped out of the frame of some French fancy picture. Among the noticeable attractions at "the ball" one we particularly admired. The wearer, thoueh not handsome as regards perfection of lace and form, but from the sweetuess of manner and extremely quiet demeanor, combined with (.usy deportment, won many truthful glances of admiration. Her dress, composed of Hie faintest, possible shade of coral silk, made en train, which was beautifully bordcredwlth shell pnitlngs of silk and tnilo. Over this was worn an overdress of tulle, made In innu merable pufflugs ol lightest shell puffs, Irom the wuist caught In festoons by early summer ivy. The corsage was low, square cut at the throat and back, forming soft points at the trout, but long, inter looping sash ends at the back; sleeves formed by a full pointed cape, leaving the arms bare, upon which shone resplendent diamond bracelets, ouly surpassed by the necklace, which boasted of Its capacity to display an exquisite diamond cross. Her hair, naturally luxuriant, was arranged in putts and curls, with diamond ornaments. Perhaps one or tho most showy toilets of the evening was worn by a graceful brunette, whose coral lips and rosy checks vied with the carnations which trained over ner brocade robe. The underskirt, of rich white gron grain, was oraaineuted with an exquisite flounce of black Chanttllv lace, placed over a ilonnce or silk, thus causing It to rail more grace fully than the majority of the lace flounces worn in such profusion. The heading to tnis was a melange of white tnllo, narrow Chautllly lace and brilliant carnation pinks in roliage. Over these were worn a polonate a la pompadour ol rich brocade, a w hits ground, over which meandered rich sprays ot brilltaut car nations, with tlielr dark green foliage, which stood out in bold relief on tne showy background. To describe how tills was cut and looped would be impossible. Suffice it, the design was decidedly novel. Just smied to ibe material, and me graceful draping* could only have been executed by a veri table artiste. The corsage was cut heart--liai?ed in front, very high on the shoulders and pointed in tho back, revealing just enough of su alabaster i nccix to prove that it was froiu choice, aud not from j necessity, that the rest was covered. Half-long j sleeves inmost met the high kid gloves, and an cx- j qui-ltc Mara and necklace of diamonds completed a most recherche toilet. Madame Catacazy wore a dress of bands of blue silk alternated with tulle ruchlugs. The bodice was very low auu the sleeves a mere puff at the shoul der. Above the elbow she wore broad armlets of gold and bracelets at the wrist. Her other ornaments were exquisite rearl earrings, a pearl necklace aud au anchor in the laco of her breast of diamonds and rubies. Iler beautiful blonde hair was powdered with diamond dust and arranged olassloaily In bauds around her tlncly-shaped head, and drooped iu a mass of grace ful curls Irom the back. Mr? Rear Admiral Smith won1 a magnificent lobe of ruby velvet, with long tram aud point luce. Her lialr was done up iu puffs una dressed with white ostrich feathers. Mrs. General Slocniu wore blue silk, with swlss overskirt, elaborately Irfflcd. Her ba r was dressed j a in pompadour, with tea roses. Miss Hewer, of Brooklyn, was charmingly dressed In salmon silk with point, laco trimmings. Mlas Connor wor-' white silk with low bodice and i train, ber head powdered aud ornamented Witn blue j ostrich leathers. Miss Leach wore blue silk, with tulle trimmings. Miss Tracy, daughter of the District Attorney, was clegautly lircssed ill black velvet en train, her hair powdered aud arranged a la Pompadour, with roses. Miss Clark, of Brooklyn, a charming brunette, who did her snare of cutertaiiilna tne Duke's stuff, wore buff slik under tnllo. The overdress was laiight with scarier velvet ribbons. A tall blonde wore a beautiful dress of black tulle with square train, trimmed with ruehiiigs ol black, ami while tulle. Iler batr was 4 la Pompadour, powdered and ornamented with roses. A costume of white tulle, elaborately puffed, was trimmed with tiny knots of black velvet; liulr ilresscd with pink rosea A iictlte brunette wore nvc-colored silk, wllb overskirt of embroidered crape; rose in the hair. A lovely partner ol one of the handsomest of the Russian suite wore wtilto tulle dotted with goldca stars aud trimmed with gold fringe. A magnificent white satin was trimmed elabo rately with point lace and convolvulus blossoms. Due of me prctilest women present wore a pink silk petticoat, tmx-plalted from top to iiouotn and caught wich buttons. A square train of bine silk w as faced with ptuk. A punier of blue crdpe was worn over this. The hair was in curls, and pearl ornaments finished tho costume. A stately brunette lookcJ charming In a heavy voiioW satin, mftde perfectly plain, Willi long trolu and diamond orhameuts. A bull tulle, elaborately puffed and knotted with seailet velvet ribbon, was one oi Hie prettiest ui-usso's at rhe ball. one or tne most hoaMiul ladles wore white satin, with plain skirt, dotted with orange blossoms. Tho pointed corsage was trimmed wDn point lace, and magnificent diamond omaiuouts completed the coj t unio. The I nip.-rial Party. Tne (.rand l)ukc and suite were conducted over frotu New York in grand and triuiopnant style. At lialf-PMt eight o'clock a company ol cavalry if op. Brooklyn arrived at the Clarendon Hotel to escort ibe impeital party to the ferry. Tne troops were drawn up along Kighteenth street, wnere they awuited the arrival of the Escort Com mittee and the departure of llle Imperial High ness .inn the distinguished persons who accom panied Inm. At nine o'clock an array of carriages drove up to the hotel. They contained the members of me Kurort Committee .mm their ladles from the Brooklyn Navy ard, who uad como to conduct the Brand Ducal party to the ball. This company consisted of Admiral GOdon, Admiral Wulke, Commodore Eagle and lady, Colonel Hrooino and lady, Commander Harmony and lady, Paymaster Barry and lady ami Cluef En gineer Wood and lady. The ladles remained In the carriages, while the officers went Info the hotel to inrorui the Grand Duke that they were ready to escort him to the scene of the evening's festivities in our sister city. They were first ush ered into the a; ailments of the Russian Minister, and were presented to Mr. aud Madame Catacazy, and afterward to the Grand Duke and the other Russian gentlemen who were present. At a quarter past nine His Imperial Highness descended the steps of the pri vate door of the Clarendon reserved for him and entered his carriage, accompanied by the Russian Admiral. The other members of the party immediately took their seats in the carriages assigned to them. Policemen were stationed at the Clarendon to keep the sidewalk clear and the roadway unobstructed Cor the shldters and the carriages. When all were ready the carriages were formed tn line and the military in two lines, one on either side o. them, nud In this way the long linn 01 car riages escorted by the troops dashed down Broad way and Kuiton street to the Fulton ferry. Police men yvere stationed ail along from the Clarendon Hotel Id the river The imperial party then en route consisted of Hfs imperial Ilignncss the Grand Duke Alexis, Admiral Posslet, Mr. and Madame Cataca/.y, Ggneral ami Madame Gorlolf, Mr. Dan/as, First Secretary of the Russian Legation; Mr. shcerkofl, Second secretary; Count Miourdalotf, Dr. Cadnn, Lieut, 'fader, Mr. Match In, Mr. Bodiseo, Consul General, and Mr. Shuitze, Vice Consul. The other carriages contained the Ameri can officers aud tue ladies already mentioned. A special terryboat conveyed the parly across the river. They were met on the other side bv a compa ny of cavalry and escorted to tho Navy Yard. The route lay up Fulton street and along Sands and Navy streets and Flushing avenue n> cast ante. Two lines of marines, through which tho carriages passed, lined the way from the gate to the building where tho ball took place. AKRfVAt. AT THE NAVY YAIIT). The Imperial party arrived at half-past ten. The Graud Duke went immediately 10 Ms room and deposited Ills overcoat and soou appeared In the Muscovtto Hall, attended by the members of his suite, all In their well-known bril liant uniforms and wearing tne imperial decorations on their breasts. As they passed into the ball room, which was already well filled with guests aw.iiitiur their arrival, a brilliant bevy ol ladies met them at the entrance. The bund in the ball room struck up the Knsslan National Hymn, and tho imperial party were conducted lothedlas. Hero the Grand Duke was Introduced to a number 01 tbe ladles aud gentlemen present. Immediately on the right of the Grand Duke stood Mrs. Admiral .smith and Madame Catacazy, and on his left Air, Catacazy and Admiral l'olsset, witu tne other members of tbe imperial party and a large number of distinguished ladies near them, forming a grand group or chivalry and beauty. After the introductions had taken place the music was ordered lor the first dance, and the ball was opened with the "Lancers." Or course tho set in which the Grand Duke participated, was the centre of attrac tion, and a large assemblage ol ladies and gentle men garnered around It. In this set, the Grand Duke danced with Mrs. Admiral Smith, vie a vt.i to Admiral Ho van and Madame Catacazy. The sides were formed by Mr. Catacazy and Mrs. t'aptain Ransom and. Admiral Smith and Madame Goriotf. The Grand Unite afterwards danced with Mrs. De Long, wltc of Lieutenant Dc Long, and also with Miss Tracy. When sapper was announced His Imperial Highness conducted Mrs. Admiral ffinitn into the snpper room. The hour was now gelling late and tne Grand Duke and Ms suite soon after loll, bnt the dancing was continued for hours aitervvard. The l>Meia*? The Grand Duke once arrived and the progenia* Hon ceremony over, the dancing wan, or course, continued without Interruption. The following is -ho programme, it will be observed that the pieces between the numbered dances were played by the fine Marine Band, stationed in the dais In the promenade. Overture, "L:i Gasza Udr?"?, Rossiid March, ??Coronation" Meyerbwr rolonulae de Reception Jullien obpeb nv vanoino. I. banners, "Le* Hrignn.lt" Offenbach Russian Oitlocr*' Overture P. All 8. Va.se, "Juri"berre.iUnzn" Giinx'l Selection, "lone" I'drella 9. Quadrille, "/amps" JulJien Promenade, "March" Pelivll* 4. Galop, "(llocken Spiel" Pausl Iiuetto, "Mleonora" Mercaiaute S. Polka lledowo, "Woidlniana" I.ablteky Selection, "deuevtere" Offentomb S. laancers, "The Koyal" Godfrey Grand Promenade March to Russian Onicere P. All 7. Value, "Morgcnblatter" Strauss Selection?Duetto, "Travtata" Verdi j 8. Galop, "Mttlatrnmba".... Oflenhsch i Grand Naval Promenade to United States OfUoers.All 9. Quadrille, "Russian and American Navy" Ju hen Selection Mercadauie 10. Galop, "Iteiier Galop" Zlk'.fl Selection, "La Grande Dnchcsse" Offenbach 11. Polka-Rednwa, "Nar.bUrbatten" Strauss Promenade, "March" Mercadarii* IX Quadrille. "The Minuet" J allien Selection?"Martha" Plotow 18. Valae, Thousand and One Nights" Strang* II Canon-Promenade to OSlcers of Navy Yard....!'. All 14. Polka. "Still Midnight" Ciuii'l "La rllle du Regiment" Mercadaete 15. Landers, "lie Prince Imperial" Lamniln Promenade, March I*. .All Id. Oalop, "Petersburg Champagne" Luinbye Serenade Daush 17. Trole Temps, "The Adieu" Knelling Promenade. March Offenbach 18. Lanc.lera, "Aire Rnseee" lui'lotj Aria "Nubncoo" Verdi 19. Valso, "Rudoluhle mange" Strauss Promenade, March Offenbach 7(1 Quadrille, "Perlobole" Musard Aria P. All 21. Galop. "No Rett" r. Bernstein Duettlno Russell 2A Valse, "Casino Tame" Kelor Beta Promenade, March Petrelia 28. Lancers, "Offenbach tana" Strauaa Selection, "Martha" Kioto* 34. Oalop, "II CrescenJo",., Jullltn "Home, Sweet llome." Leader of the United State* Navy Vard Band Peter Ah Conductor Mous. Loots G. Jullien A most importaut part or the affair was that con nee'eu with the edibles. Along either sldo of the supper room, running east, and west, was raged a long table, literally groan ing under its store of good things, and tastefully adorned with pieces of confectionery ami trophies of flowers, fitting to the occasion. On the right band were anchors aud ships of flowers, the Russian frltrate Bvetlana and the clipper Abrcok. In the centre was a beautiful design, representing the Russian standard, sur mounted by the imperial crown. Tho black double head eagle was Ueltlv wrought in immortelles. Facing this, on the opposite table, was the American standard In a similar design, ol flowers, flanked Dy the Russian corvette Bogatire and the United .states flagsnip Congress. hortly alter midnight tho Grand Duke led the way lo the supper room, whither moho who minded followed Mini. It being the good rule that (rom tiie moment his Imperial Highness entered the x/tiu> mano r, those who willed could cull on ihe waiters ranged behind the table to help them to what ibey pleased from the lollowing bill ol faro: MENU. I Mayonnaise de Haumnn. Triple, a ,a Mavonnaixc. Simmon, a la Veripre. Truilc, b la Veripre. s Dlnrie, la Mocedolne. j Chapun, a la M.icedolne. Kllet ile Bo'itf H. aire, a la Klamanue. s Vol-an-Vent et Tourtes. I'vK-s ile Giblert, Glbier* Maeadoine. j i llbicrx, Larde. J b Hullrcx Knlet, oixllnj 'iita cl ri|.,ui 5 Salad. ntie and Eighteenth street to Fourth avenne and. Elghiceiith and applied water in the space oi twos minutes and thirly-flvo second*. Ills Imperial Highness, as well as the Minister aud members of Aiexls' suite, who were present, warmly compli me men the Commissioners upon the brtlliaut ap pearance of the department and tne rapidity oi the* movements of ibo men. With the exception of General McDowell nil who occupied the platiorm wore citizens' clothes, an well as the Prince. THE REt'EN'tON Iff PHILADELPHIA. PHILADELPHIA, Nov. W, 1871. The committee Having in charge the reception of Alexin in Philadelphia have decided to tunc aw tickets, at $no each, good for the breakfast at Pair mount Park and the bail at the Academy. Ticket* lor the ball alone win be f 15. A special train, fur nished l>v the Pennsylvania Railroad, will lease here on Sunday and return iu lue evening witn the Grand Duke and suite. THE DIKE'S TRIP IIP TMK HLDSOff. I Poi'dUKKKPSIK, Nov. is, 1871. The common Council of this city to-night ac cepted an luvitartou from the Executive Committee in Now York to meet the Grand Duke Alexis at West I'oint ou Friday, and also one from the Russian Minister to accompany the royal party up the Hod son on the Mary Powell. IMV PRIME'S flblT TO BOHlDN. Boston, Nov. as, mi. The Grand Duke Alexis is expected to arrive in Boston on Thursday night, December 7, and remain the guest of the city duiuig Friday, Saturday and Sunday, lie will nave apartments at the Keverw House. The programme tor Ills entertainment ts not vet completed, but a visit to the Navy Yard, Isiwell, Cambridge, nnn the musical extinction by the scuool children, will be included. PR! PAR IIHMS TO RECEIVE ALEXIN l? NAff FRAffCHCO. San Francisco, Nov. an, t87i. Prepai-aiioits for the reception of the Grand Done Alexis are being made by the naval authorities. The Pcnsacola and saranac will ce here for the pur pose of property honoring the future Grand High Admiral ol Russia. ii it hi novum th of ruk win DIME. lite programme of ilie Grand uacal paily, -j faf as now arranged, is as follows:? The remainder or the present ijeaii is devoied to the grand ball und other engagements in this city. on rtnndny evepi*^ tcave lor Philadelphia as al ready aniiquacod. ln.ri"?i*V, Decernl>er 5.?Returns to New York. Thursday, December 7.?Leave tor Boston In the morning via Bridgeport and ispringfleld, stopping at the former place *nree and at wpringtleiu two hours, arriving at Boston 2'>out ten P. M. Monday morning, t/'?s 11th.?Leave Boston for Montreal by train of elegant Pullman palace draw ing ears tendered by tuc Pnllman Company. log route by which Montreal will be retcheu i? not yet decided upon. u I Tuesday, the 12th, will t?e devoted to Montreal. On Wednesday, tlio 13th, the party bto'ceds tr the rniiroed roDiwnlcn between here ana Washington, and are offered by the Pe mayl7ama Central natnoad Company and by the roads fcetwcwD ml- city and Boston,